Virtual Ride of Schoolhouse Ridge Road - FSR 4068

“
4 mile gated forest road.”

Description

4068 is a doubletrack road that runs from NC 90 northwest to Edgemont Road (two other gravel/dirt roads in this area of the forest). If travelling from 90, the elevation gains 320 ft. in the first 3/4 mi., but after that the gradual up/downs flow quite well. It's a road, but very remote, providing a solitary experience. This is a good place to start learning some of the roads/trails in Pisgah's Grandfather District.

This road can be used used to connect loops with Upper Wilson Ridge, Thorps Creek (AKA Schoolhouse) and other sections of Wilson Ridge. Each end of the road can accommodate a couple cars beyond the gates. This road was built after the trails, and in many spots the trail dumps on to the road at abrupt grades. The Wilson Ridge trail alignment follows 4068 in a couple places where the old trail corridor was covered up by the road itself or has been taken back by the earth to the sides of it.

To get to Middle Wilson Ridge, follow 4068 to NC 90, take a right on that, and look for the trail again at a gate (on the left) at the top of the climb.

Don't expect to find much in the way of signage anywhere; so when looking for the trails, be prepared to explore, or use the MTB Project mobile app. Riding with someone who has local knowledge is highly recommended anywhere in the Wilson Creek area.